Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Top 25: The Nos. 6-10 best players in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - 1994: Nick Anderson #25 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons circa 1994 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - 1994: Nick Anderson #25 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons circa 1994 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next

7. Rashard Lewis (2008-11)

High/Low: 6/11

By David Iwanowski

When the Orlando Magic acquired Rashard Lewis and signed him to a six-year, $118-million deal, the league was put on notice: The Orlando Magic were ready to be contenders.

Lewis had already been an All Star in Seattle. And his unique combination of size, versatility and, most notably, shooting ability made him a special player the Magic felt would fit perfectly with the team they had. Specifically, that he would complement Dwight Howard very well.

In his three-plus seasons in Orlando, the team achieved an incredible amount of success, and revolutionized basketball in the mind of many analysts (including Sam Hinkie, who mentioned the Magic style of play in his resignation letter).

With Lewis at the 4, the Magic were able to surround their superstar center with four strong shooters. They were also able to play fast, if needed, play a versatile defensive style and create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.

More from All-Time Lists

Lewis finished his short Magic career with an overall average of 16.3 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game and a 39.9 percent field goal percentage from three while also being a high volume shooter.

He enabled the Magic to succeed from behind the arc, which created a very efficient offense. The combination of his size and mobility allowed him to defend multiple positions. And his wing skills made him a nightmare for opposing big men to defend against.

He made a lot of big shots in big games as well — a few of his shots swung win probability significantly more than most shots do, and that is another big reason his impact was very apparent.

His overall effect on the team’s play, and the culture he played a big part in creating, led to him being ranked at this spot despite only playing fewer than four seasons for the franchise.